The best iPhone in the UK 2023

Every year, the iPhone is among the best smartphones. This device has it all: design, large screen, photo sensor, battery life, fluidity and video quality. And thanks to Apple's reputation, the iPhone 12 outsells the most popular Samsung Galaxy. iPhone X, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, Pro Max or SE, check out our guide to the best iPhones and find what you need.

Apple iPhone 12 1
9/10

Best value for money

Apple iPhone 12

The best iPhone in 2021

Compared to iPhone 11, iPhone 12 sports a beautiful new design, full 5G support, a great camera module and even better performance.

719 £ on Boulanger

Apple rarely changes the design of the iPhone from one generation to the next. As a result, any change, no matter how small, is often met with enthusiasm. You can think of the new flat-edge aesthetic of the iPhone 12 as one of those small revisions that make a difference. The screen has also been improved. It's now a 6.1″ OLED display, the same technology used on the iPhone 12 Pro, and offers rich colors and deep blacks.

Under the hood, we get an A14 processor coupled with 4GB of RAM and 128GB of non-expandable internal storage. One of the main highlights of the iPhone 12 is that it now supports 5G. The iPhone 12 packs a 2,815 mAh battery which is smaller than the iPhone 11's 3,110 mAh battery. But the iPhone 12 lasts longer on a full charge. This is due to the OLED screen combined with the more efficient A14 processor.

Apple iPhone SE 2020 2
8/10

Best value for money

Apple iPhone SE 2020

The best entry-level iPhone

The 2020 iPhone SE offers the latest iOS apps and Apple features for hundreds of dollars less than the more refined models appearing in the 2020.

391 £ on Boulanger

They just don't make small, compact smartphones as good as the new iPhone SE anymore. This little 4.7″ handset features the A13 Bionic processor, which is still lightning fast even though the new iPhones are equipped with the A14. And yet, even with all that power, the 2020 iPhone SE costs much less than the iPhone 12 Mini. The iPhone SE also brings more refinement, something rare on small, compact, cheap smartphones. This includes wireless charging, IP67 water resistance and a high-end metal and glass design.

While most smartphone manufacturers have avoided developing high-end handsets with screens smaller than about 5.5 inches, the iPhone SE looks like a product straight out of the past. It may not have the flashiest design, let alone a camera equipped with the night mode present on more expensive iPhones. But the 2020 SE handles just about everything else perfectly. And a new iPhone at this price is pretty rare.

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 3
9/10

Best value for money

Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max

The high-end alternative

The iPhone 12 Pro Max is the new flagship of the apple brand. As its name suggests, everything is maximized: screen size, speed, design, autonomy and especially photo quality.

950 £ on Amazon

The Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max is aimed at the most demanding videographers and photographers. Offering unheard of screen definition, this high-end smartphone has a 6.7″ OLED Super Retina XDR panel. Unlike previous iPhones, this one uses a material called Ceramic Shield that covers the screen. This makes it waterproof and almost unbreakable even without a tempered glass protective film.

But where Apple hits hard is in the photo part. The 3 sensors (ultra wide-angle, wide-angle and telephoto 12 MP) make this mobile the ultimate photophone. Huawei, Samsung, Google and others can go to hell! It also embeds an A14 Bionic SoC, currently the fastest processor (no latency on Call of Duty!). The LiDAR scanner, the Night mode or the possibility to record videos in 4K HDR will only increase the appeal of this phone.

Apple iPhone 12 Mini 4
9/10

A great choice

Apple iPhone 12 Mini

Excellent iPhone

The iPhone 12 mini offers the best price/power ratio of the entire Apple catalog. This smartphone brings remarkable features and fits easily in 2 small hands, or even one.

639 £ on Boulanger

The iPhone 12 mini is Apple's best small compact smartphone, ahead of the equally impressive iPhone SE 2020. It's also the best small compact smartphone you'll find, if you don't consider price. Despite a 5.4″ OLED display that's larger than many recent smartphones, including the 2020 iPhone SE, Apple manages to present it in an ultra-thin form factor that fits easily in the palm of your hand.

Moreover, there's more than just the size that impresses here. The powerful A14 Bionic processor that powers the iPhone 12 mini comes to mind. To put it simply, this little Apple smartphone has as much processing power as the iPhone 12 Pro Max, the flagship of the Apple brand! The 2 rear cameras of the iPhone 12 Mini produce some of the best shots we've seen. And while we wish the battery would last longer, Apple's MagSafe accessories make charging the device easier.

Buying guide • November 2023

Best iPhone

Any specific needs?

The best iPhone in 2021

The best entry-level iPhone

The high-end alternative

Excellent iPhone

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Comparison table of the best iPhone

TOP OF THE TOP CHEAP TOP OF THE LINE EXCELLENT
Apple iPhone 12 5
9/10
Apple iPhone SE 2020 6
8/10
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 7
9/10
Apple iPhone 12 Mini 8
9/10
OUR SELECTION
Apple iPhone 12
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 12 Mini
Compared to iPhone 11, iPhone 12 sports a beautiful new design, full 5G support, a great camera module and even better performance.
The 2020 iPhone SE offers the latest iOS apps and Apple features for hundreds of dollars less than the more refined models appearing in the 2020.
The iPhone 12 Pro Max is the new flagship of the apple brand. As its name suggests, everything is maximized: screen size, speed, design, autonomy and especially photo quality.
The iPhone 12 mini offers the best price/power ratio of the entire Apple catalog. This smartphone brings remarkable features and fits easily in 2 small hands, or even one.
Screen size (resolution)
6.1" (2532 x 1170 pixels)
4.7" (1334 x 750 pixels)
6.7" (2532 x 1170 pixels)
5.4" (2532 x 1170 pixels)
Processor
A14 chip
A13 chip
A14 chip
A14 chip
RAM
4 GB
3 GB
6 GB
4GB
Internal storage
128 GB
64 GB
256 GB
128GB
Main photo module
12 MP (wide), f/1.6
12 MP (wide), f/1.8
12 MP (wide), f/1.6
12MP (wide), f/1.6

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How to choose your iPhone

The first iPhone appeared in 2007. With its touch screen and intuitive interface, this phone set the standard for future smartphones. Of course, today's iPhones have little to do with the first models. But Apple has remained true to its policy of offering a new device every year. Beyond the innovations, the display quality and the price, here are the criteria to take into account to make the right choice.

#1 - Screen size

The basic versions of the iPhone 7 and 8 have a 4.7-inch screen. The Plus ranges of these 2 devices have a 5.5-inch screen. Since the iPhone X, Apple has moved away from 4.7-inch screens to a 5.8-inch screen for the base version, the XS and the 11 Pro. Count on 6.1 inches for the XR and 6.5 inches for the XS Max and 11 Max. Some people will probably prefer a larger screen, especially if they use their iPhone to watch movies or take pictures. However, a larger screen implies a larger iPhone. This can affect the grip of the smartphone but also its transport since it will not fit in some pockets.

#2 - Storage capacity

The size of the internal memory of an iPhone affects its price. Each new model produced by the apple brand is offered with 2 or 3 storage options. For example, you'll get 32 or 128 GB of storage capacity on older iPhones. The newer devices give you a choice of 64, 256 and 512 GB.

#3 - The camera

Each new iPhone benefits from a front and rear camera. The sensor on the back always has a 12MP resolution and the one on the front 7MP. Premium models of each generation offer a dual rear sensor, providing better angles and image quality than single-sensor systems.

Refurbished iPhone

Statistically, iPhones are the most returned smartphones. iPhone 6, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, even iPhone XR, the Internet is full of models passed through the hands of professionals to be reconditioned and then sold. However, many online offers take advantage of the lack of legislation and the confusion between used and refurbished iPhones to rip off buyers.

#4 - Battery life

All

new iPhones have phenomenal battery life (you have to justify the exorbitant price!). But this battery life naturally decreases as the smartphone ages. However, a new iPhone will offer on average 9 to 11 hours of autonomy.

#5 - Design and innovations

With each new model, it's a bit of a lottery at the range of colors available. Gold, silver and sidereal gray are common to all models. However, some iPhones come in black, white, midnight green, pink, blue, or red. Note that all iPhones have become waterproof since the iPhone 7. To justify the release of a new model and face the competition of Samsung Galaxy, Apple brings every year innovations. Thus, wireless charging is available since the iPhone 8. Facial recognition has been available since the iPhone X, not to mention the improvements made to the iOS system.

The different iPhones and their major innovations

The best iPhone 9

When looking for an iPhone, consider the model that suits you best. If price is no object, we recommend buying the latest device. For less, buy a used or refurbished iPhone. Here are the iPhones you can easily find on the market.

iPhone 6

The iPhone 6 generation includes the 6 and 6S series. These 2 models have a 4.7-inch screen. The 6S is however built in a more durable way, able to resist damage caused by a fall. The very first iPhone SE, with a 4-inch screen, is also part of the iPhone 6 generation.

iPhone 7

The iPhone 7 has a 4.7-inch screen, while the iPhone 7 Plus debuts a 5.5-inch Full HD display. For the camera, if the 2 versions each had a 12MP sensor, the 7 Plus range had a dual lens. The Touch ID fingerprint unlocking was in place on both versions.

iPhone 8

Like the iPhone 7, this generation comes in 8 and 8 Plus ranges. The 4.7 and 5.5 inch screens are also part of the range. Among the notable improvements over the iPhone 7, we note a higher autonomy, a faster processor and more storage capacity. In terms of new features, the iPhone 8 inaugurated Qi wireless charging.

iPhone X

The iPhone X was the first of the brand to offer a 5.8-inch OLED screen with a resolution higher than HD. This model was a real revolution compared to previous iPhones. It also offers up to 256GB of storage. But the processor and dual rear sensor remain the same as the iPhone 8 Plus.

To satisfy increasingly demanding customers and face the ubiquitous competition of Samsung Galaxy, Apple has declined its iPhone X in ranges XR of 6.1 inches, XS with 5.8-inch screen and XS with a large screen of 6.5 inches. On the innovation side, facial recognition unlocking made its appearance with the iPhone X.

iPhone 11

This smartphone has been designed to be the best performing in a maximum of categories. And this is indeed the case for the display quality, the photo, the autonomy, the biometrics or the software. But unlike the iPhone X, the iPhone 11, Pro and Pro Max don't have any real innovations. It's more of a technological update against Samsung Galaxy at the top of their form.

iPhone SE

To establish itself in the mid-range, Apple has reinvented its iPhone SE, a smartphone that first appeared at the time of the iPhone 6. The 2020 version combines the body of an iPhone 8 with the power of an iPhone 11. In addition, this model includes the central button with fingerprint sensor and NFC chip. All this for less than 500 euros.

iPhone 12: what do we know about it?

The best iPhone 10

Even if the pandemic has strongly disrupted Apple's planning, the American manufacturer is doing everything to be on time. Design, release date, technical specifications, back to the information that leaked about the iPhone 12.

The release date

Presumably, the iPhone 12 will be unveiled in September 2020. According to Komiya, a famous Japanese leaker, pre-orders will be open from the third week of October. The Apple brand has also planned a second presentation in March 2021 along with the new Mac and the famous Apple Glass.

The design

Barring any last-minute surprises, the Phonearena site says that the lines will be reminiscent of those of the iPhone 4 released in 2010. To arrive at such a rendering, Phonearena took into account rumors, indiscretions and data leaks from a shell manufacturer based in Romania. Note that the latter has already been right for the iPhone 6.

Still according to this site, Apple should offer 4 ranges of iPhone 12, all compatible with 5G. No revolution to come regarding the screen size, since the American brand would remain on the 5.8-inch, 6.1-inch and 6.5-inch formats. However, a 5.4 screen would make its appearance.

The screen slab

Apple announces that it wants to abandon the LCD panel in favor of OLED. If this evolution will significantly increase the display quality, it would not change the power of the famous notch, seen for the first time on the iPhone X. Much thinner though.

The camera and connectivity

The iPhone should have a triple photo sensor at the back, very similar to that of the iPhone 11. For the rest, we will have a Lightning port as connectivity, probably not a USB Type-C port.

iPhone or Samsung Galaxy?

iPhone

iPhone is the series of smartphones produced by the Apple brand. This name includes the iPhone 12, 11, X, 9, 8, SE, etc. Unlike most smartphones that run on Android and simply add a software overlay, Apple runs its iPhones on iOS. We're up to version 14, or even 15 for the new iPhone 12 Pro Max. To that end, iPhones still have a base version, a Pro version and a Pro Max version. And like the system, Apple itself produces its processors, the famous Bionic, including the famous A12 and A13.

As for the photo modules, the iPhones seem wiser than their competitors, offering 12MP sensors. In any case, this does not affect the photo quality of Apple smartphones. And among the flaws, we can mention the compatibility problems with other hardware and software environments than Apple's, the price of the new models, the large number of services and paid apps on the App Store or the lack of innovation on some years.

Samsung Galaxy

Apart from the Chinese giant Huawei, Samsung is Apple's biggest rival for its iPhones. It must be said that the Korean electronics giant takes a malicious pleasure in making life difficult for Apple's smartphones. Running on Android 12 for the most recent versions, the name Samsung Galaxy includes a vast catalogue of smartphones, the best known being the Galaxy S. The S21 and its S21 Plus and S21 Ultra variants are the main rivals of the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro max in the high-end segment.

Unlike Apple, Samsung does not produce its processors in-house, preferring to source them from Qualcomm, an American company known worldwide for its famous Snapdragon and Exynos chips. On the operating system side, Samsung also "buys" from Google the famous Android. The use of this system more "open" than iOS extends the compatibility of Samsung Galaxy to other devices than those produced by Samsung. Samsung Galaxy's prices are more reasonable, even though Apple's iPhone SEs sell for around 500 euros.

Verdict

More than a brand, Apple is a way of living the digital world. Apple fans use Apple computers, Apple headphones, Apple tablets, etc. If you're in this situation, we don't even have to convince you: we know you'll buy an iPhone!

For those who don't like Apple's closed-mindedness and who deplore the brand's abusive prices, including for apps, Samsung remains the best choice in the high-end segment. Android will open the doors to the Google Store, the world's largest library of smartphone apps with millions of free apps and games.

Why buy an iPhone?

Pioneer brand on smartphones, Apple is not doing too badly in the face of the decline in global sales since 2018, a phenomenon accentuated by the coronavirus crisis. As proof, the Cupertino firm sold 197.4 million iPhones in 2019, just behind Samsung and Huawei. The following reasons largely explain this attractive power of Apple.

A smartphone recognizable among thousands

Aesthetically, most smartphones copy each other or reproduce what made the success of a leading brand. Offering atypical lines with the logo on the back as a signature, iPhones are easy to recognize. This is one of the reasons why buyers prefer Apple smartphones.

A simple and bloatware-free operating system

Apart from the design, the user-friendly interface is the other factor in the success of the Apple smartphone. No difficulty in setting up or customizing, even for a first purchase. In addition, features like Siri or are fans of some of the pre-installed applications on a new iPhone.

On Android phones, manufacturers and operators often add applications and bloatware. Known for slowing down a smartphone considerably, this software is usually impossible to remove. In contrast, Apple's iOS system gives you the ability to remove all the apps you don't need.

A wide range of quality apps in the Apple Store

It would be wrong to say that interesting smartphone apps are exclusive to iOS, or available on iOS first. But the App Store is a must-have platform for apps. So if you choose a platform based on its support for the apps you want to download, chances are you'll feel comfortable with an iPhone.

iPhones work best with other Apple devices

If you're already using a Mac or iPad, it makes sense to consider an iPhone as a smartphone. Of course, you can still connect with an Android-based phone. But you'll get the most out of Apple's built-in features if you choose an iPhone, including wireless data transfer and charging.

What is the price iPhone

The diagram below will help you to get an idea of the typical prices for each price range (entry-level, mid-range and high-end).

However, more expensive does not necessarily mean better.

We therefore advise you to always consult our ranking before deciding, rather than blindly relying on price ranges.

Entry-level
400 £ to 800 £
Mid-range
800 £ to 1000 £
High-end
more than 1000 £
Price range diagram

Tips

Screen protectors are also important, not to mention the case.

A glass screen protector offers the highest level of protection for an iPhone screen. Conversely, plastic screen protectors get dirty more easily than glass. And for maximum protection against fingerprints and drops, get a case with thick corner protectors.

Clean your iPhone screen with water.

Never use solvents or cleaning solutions to wipe down an iPhone screen. Instead, use clean water and a soft, lint-free cloth to avoid scratches. Dip the cloth in water to avoid using too much water.

Manage automatic screen rotation.

As for orientation, your iPhone's screen automatically rotates when you turn it. If you're not comfortable with this feature, you can lock the screen rotation. The process is simple and doesn't hurt your phone's performance.

Use AirDrop to share your files faster.

iOS offers AirDrop, which allows wireless sharing of photos, videos, contacts, and more between 2 iPhones. You can also share your data with an iPad, iMac, or MacBook. To do this, make sure you both have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth enabled. If either of you has connection sharing enabled, turn it off.

Protect yourself from thieves by using a 6-digit password or Face ID

Because of their easy resale, iPhones are popular with thieves. To protect your data in case of theft, enable Face ID or use a 6-digit password. These authentication methods are more secure than a 4-digit code.

FAQ

Which iPhone to choose?

In our opinion, the best iPhone for most people is the iPhone 12. If you're looking for a new model under £500, the iPhone SE 2020 is the way to go. If you're looking for the best quality, choose the iPhone 12 Pro Max.

How to choose your iPhone?

Determine the screen size you need: 4.7, 5.5, 5.8, 6.1 or 6.5 inches? Also consider the storage capacity, number of photo sensors, battery life and features available. It goes without saying that the design of an iPhone is always sublime.

Used and refurbished iPhone: what are the advantages?

Reconditioned means that the iPhone has been professionally refurbished before being released for sale. On the other hand, a used iPhone is a device that has been used but not refurbished. In both cases, you could find very good deals on the Internet. But beware of dishonest sellers and exceptionally low offers.

Why buy an iPhone?

The Apple smartphone has a design that is easy to recognize. Plus, its iOS operating system is intuitive and bloatware-free. Add to that the prestige of the brand, the quality of the apps available on the App Store and the wireless compatibility with other Apple devices.

How much does an iPhone cost?

iPhones are the most expensive smartphones on the market. Count on just under 500 euros for an iPhone SE and over 1,000 euros for an iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Sources

Note: Below are some of the sources we have consulted in writing this article. Links to other sites are not continuously updated. It is therefore possible that a link may not be found. Please use a search engine to find the desired information.
  1. , quechoisir.org
  2. , consumersearch.com
  3. , cheatsheet.com
  4. , bestreviews.com
  5. , idownloadblog.com
  6. , toptenreviews.com
  7. , apple.com
  8. , cnews.fr
  9. , wired.com
  10. , businessinsider.com
  11. , apple.com
  12. , darty.com
  13. , fnac.com
  14. , auchan.fr
  15. , fnac.com
  16. , sfr.fr
  17. , amazon.co.uk
  18. , backmarket.fr
  19. , certideal.com
  20. , darty.com
  21. , support.apple.com
  22. , iphon.fr
  23. , boulanger.com
  24. , cdiscount.com
  25. , 20minutes.fr
  26. , support.apple.com
  27. , global.techradar.com
  28. , certideal.com
  29. , quechoisir.org
  30. , thekase.com
  31. , iphon.fr
  32. , icloud.com
See more

Updates

March 2022 : Translation of this buying guide from our partner meilleurtest.fr

See more
Our selection
Apple iPhone 12 11
Apple iPhone 12
Apple iPhone SE 2020 12
Apple iPhone SE 2020
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max 13
Apple iPhone 12 Pro Max
Apple iPhone 12 Mini 14
Apple iPhone 12 Mini

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